Cartridge loading machine



J. M. AGNESE CARTRIDGE LOADING MACHINE Jan. 15, 1963 5 .E l H f, M 1m -1, S -.1 M

h S F. 3 o

Filed Jan. 3, 1961 ATTORNEY Jan. 15, 1963 J. M. AGNESE 3,073,208

CARTRIDGE LOADING MACHINE Filed Jan. 5, 1961 3 Sheets-peet 2 HVVENTUR. JSEPH M. AGNESE BY www .4 T TOR/VE Y Jan. 15, 1963 J. M. AGNESE 3,073,208

CARTRIDGE LOADING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 5, 1961 2 Fg.|O /40 afgana INV EN TOR.

JOSEPH M. A G/VESE B" @im ATTORNEY United States arent 3,073,208 CARTRIDGE LOADING MACHINE Joseph M. Agnese, 2770 Greenwich St.,

San Francisco, Calif. Filed Jan. 3, 1961, Ser. No. 80,110 7 Claims. (Cl. 86-23) This invention relates to a cartridge loading machine of the type adapted for use in reloading small arms cartridge cases.

The cartridge loading machine embodying the present invention is primarily intended for use by marksmen, hunters and others who are desirous of conveniently and inexpensively reloading discharged cartridges. The machine functions automatically to release and deposit a predetermined explosive charge of powder into each of a number of empty cartridge cases as the latter are brought successively into a loading position beneath a powder holding tube. The machine also functions automatically to position a bullet in the open en=d of each of a number of powder containing cartridge cases as the latter are successively brought into a receiving position beneath a supply magazine holding a number of similar bullets. The machine is adapted to be operated by a hand lever or other the empty cartridge cases with identical charges of explosive powder and with bullets of substantially the same shape and size. Various adjustments may be made with respect to certain parts of the machine to permit the empty cartridge cases to be loaded with varying charges of explosive powder and also to adapt the machine for use with bullets and cartridges of diferent calibers.

The primary object of my invention is to provide a novel cartridge loading machine having automatic means for loading empty cartridge cases with uniform loads of explosive powder and for automatically securing bullets in the open ends of such cases.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel cartridge loading machine of the kind characterized, having an adjustable powder holding tube which may be lengthened or shortened to increase or decrease its capacity whereby an operator may selectively determine with precision and accuracy the amount of explosive powder loaded into each of a number of cartridge cases.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel cartridge loading machine having various adjustable fea` tures which make it possible to adapt the machine for use with different caliber cartridges and projectiles or bullets.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a novel cartridge loading machine of the kind characterized, having automatic control means for delivering a redetermined charge of explosive powder to an empty cartridge case at approximately the same time as a bullet is delivered to another cartridge case which had been previously supplied with an explosive charge.

Still another` object of my invention is to provide a cartridge loading machine which, by reason of its novel construction and design, is adapted to be operated to reload the cartridge cases at a considerable saving of time and expense over methods now in use.

Other and further objects of my invention will be pointed out hereinafter or will be indicated in the appended claims or will be obvious to one skilled in the art upon an understanding of the present disclosure. For the purpose of this application, I have elected to show herein. certain details of a cartridge loading machine which is representative of my invention; it is to be understood, however, that the embodiment of my invention herein shown and described is for purposes of;

suitable means to automatically load rice illustration only, and that it is not to be regarded as exhaustive of the variations of the invention in the art.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. l is a rear elevational view of a cartridge loading machine embodying my invention, showing the operating lever in an inoperative raised position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the machine;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container for holding a supply of explosive powder, showing the delivery tube and control means associated therewith;

FG. 4 is a front elevational view of the machine, showing the operating lever in a downwardly adjusted position;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the powder holding means, showing an empty cartridge case in position for movement into a receiving chamber preparatory to its being loaded with an explosive charge;

FIG. 6 is a similar view of the powder holding means, showing the cartridge case in position for receiving a charge of explosive powder;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view FlG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sectional View FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional View, on an enlarged scale, of the bullet loading mechanism, showing a cartridge case in position for movement into engagement with a bullet supported in a tubular receiver;

FiG. 10 is a similar View of the bullet loading mechanisrn, showing the cartridge case after it has been raised sutliciently to receive the bullet;

FIG. l is a sectional view taken on the line 11-11 of FIG. l0;

FIG. l2 is a perspective view of the adjustable powder holding tube and gauge;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view of the adjustable powder holding tube, showing the gauge in elevation and showng also the closure means for the lower end of the tube positioned to prevent the discharge of powder therefrom; and

FIG. l4 is a similar view showing the closure means in an open position to allow powder to enter the open end of a cartridge case arranged to receive such powder.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1 designates a supporting structure mounted in a 'fixed position o n a suitable support I1a. Secured to the supporting structure is a main vertical guide post 2 and auxiliary vertical guide posts 3 and 4, all of which are preferably arranged in a common vertical plane. The posts 2 and 3 loosely extend through vertical openings in a vertical reciprocating carriage or member 5 which is cushioned nearl the end of its downward movement by helical compression springs 6 associated with and heldiagainst displacement by the auxiliary posts 3 and 4. 'Ihe'main post 2 and the auxiliary post 3 extending loosely through the taken on the line 7-7 of taken on the line 8-8 of vertical openings in the carriage 5 prevent any rota" tional or lateral movement thereof. The auxiliary post is comprised of two telescopically arranged sections be` tween which a compression spring 6 is positioned. The upper end portion of the upperv tubular section of the post 4 is adapted to extend into the vertical opening ofi a tubular cartridge case holding socket 7 supported by the carriage `5 when the carriage approaches the'end of its downward movement.

9 that is preferably positioned at about ninety degrees: from the socket 7.

9 are formed in the usual manner. with entry slots and semi-circular grooves whichl are adapted to receive ther Secured to the carriage is a` bracket 8 which carries a similar cartridge holding socket' Both of the sockets 7 andv Y 3 ployed in connection with means for applying a percussion cap to a cartridge case are not considered a part of the present invention.

Pivotally connected at a point intermediate its ends by a.- pivot pin, to the stationary supporting structure 1 is a hand lever 11. Secured by rivets 12 or the like to an end of the hand lever 11 and also connected pivotally tothe pin 10, are identical links 13 of somewhat triangular shape. The links 13 are pivotally connected at their apexes by rivets 14 or the like to the lower ends of.` identical links 15 which are connected at their upper ends by a pivot pin 16 to the carriage 5. The Vhorizontal axis of the pin 10, the rivets 12 and the rivets 14 are arranged in triangular formation so that by depressing the lever 11, the triangular links 13 ,actuate the links 15 upwardly to raise the carriage 5. The carriage is lowered when the hand lever 11 is actuated upward y.

-Supported on the upper end of the main post 2 is a stationary platform 17 having vertical threaded openings 18. and, 19 which are positioned directly above the cartridge holding sockets 7 and 9, respectively. Screwed into the opening 18 is a cartridge receiving tube 20 which isv adapted to be vertically adjusted. A lock nut 21 adjustably engaging with the external threads of the tube bears against the stationary platform to hold the tube against rotation and displacement. Supported on and suitably secured to the platformv is a substantialiy vertical rod 22 which is threaded at its upper and lower ends to provide means at its lower end for the attachment of adjustable nuts used in securing the rodto theV platformv and to provide means at its upper end for the attachment of nuts used in adjustably securinga bracket 23 tothe rods; Supported for swinging movement on the bracket 23 is asconnecting member 24 which is at-r tached at its lower end to a sleeve 25 through which lan upright tubular bullet holder or magazine 26 extends. The sleeve is adjustably secured to the tubular bullet magazine by a set screw 27. Since the connecting member 24 is mounted for swinging movement on the bracket 23, the` bullet magazine is also adapted to swing back and forth fromy a substantially vertical position with its lower outlet end in: vertical alignment with the cartridge receivingtube 20 as shown in FIG. 9l tov a slightly inclined position with its outlet end positioned to one, side.Y of the cartridge receivingl tube as shown in FIG. 1K0. The bullet holder or magazine 26, in the form illustrated has aborer adapted to-hold a considerable numberof bullets or projectiles B which move by gravity through. the magazine to. its outlety end.

Upon movement iny a: downwardV directionl ofthe hand lever 11, a cartridge supported on the socketv 7 is carriedl upwardlyinto the cartridge receiving tube 20 at the Sametime 'the lower outlet endl of the bullet. maga.- zne 26, is'A moved outwardly from a position. registering,

with: suchv tube, wherein it' had previously delivered a bullet tothe upper endA of such tube. The upwardI movementof theshand lever 11 lowersthe cartridge case with ay bullet C secured thereto at. the same time the dischargeend Vof the bullet magazine 26 is moved intov registry withy the cartridge receivingA tube 20, preparatory to thedeliverygof another bullet to such tube. The meansY synchronizing. the movement of the bullet magazine in ac-` cordance` with the; movement-of the hand lever, as well as the controls for the, bullets delivered to the cartridge receiving tube 20 will be presently described. VrSecured togthe carriage 5 is an: upright. member 28 to which oneend Vof a bar 29y is connected as by a pivot pin or bolt 30, theV other end of such bar being pivotally connected as by a pivot pin or. screw'31 to a nut 32 which is secured within a tubular member 33 vhaving two depending opposedy liangesy 34 thereon. Secured at one ot its ends tothe bar 29 is van angular bar 29a which is Vpivotally connected as byv a pivot pin 31a to `the nut 32 and the tubular member 33.' 'Connecting' the pivot'pins 3L-andY 31a with thelower end of th'evtubularvtbullet 26 is moved outwardly from a position registering withV the cartridge receiving tube V20, and when the hand lever is moved upwardly, the lower end of the bullet magazine isactuated reversely to a position wherein its bore is again in registry with the bore of the tube 20.

So as to control the bullets B moving downwardly in the magazine 26 and into the cartridge receiving tube 20, suitable means is provided to eiectuate the desired` results, The bullet magazine 26 is provided with a substantially horizontal slot 38 which is positioned about the length of a bullet B from its lower end. Suitably secured at its upper end to the bullet magazine 264 asl at 39, is a depending resilient member in the form cfl a flat spring 40, having a rst bullet intercepting and holding member 41, secured thereto as by a bolt and?` nut combination 42. The rst bullet intercepting mem-- ber 41 is adapted to enter the slot 38 and intercept andi temporarily support the particular bullet B then posi-- tioned above such slot in the lower end of the bullet magazine 26, this being accomplished when the magazine* is positioned with its outlet, end in registry with the opening inthe cartridge receiving tube 20 and the' carriage 5? is in. a loweredvposition with the hand lever 11 elevated.4 Secured to and carried at the lower end of the depend-- ing resilient. member 40 is a second bullet@ irrtercepting and holdingV member 42 which. is arranged to project'v inwardly at a point below the outlet end of the bulletV magazine 26 and thereby intercept and temporarily sup-- port the particular bullet then positionedv directly below respectively, to releaseithe particular bullettlien'di'recty above the slot 38 and support the bullet directly below such. slot, respectively. Secured to the lower end'of thev bullet magazine V26 is a third bulletl intercepting and holdingmember 43which is arranged to extend inwardly below the stationary platform 17 and beneath the verticalgopening 18 to, intercept and support a bulletl thenA in the cartridge receiving tubej20, this being accom-` plished when the bullet magazine 26 is in its'vertical-I position with its outlet end aligned with the opening in they cartridge receiving, tube 20. Asthe hand lever 11.

is elevated and. the lower outlet end of the bullet maga-- zine moves inwardly toward a position inalignmentv with thev cartridge tube 20, the second bullet intercept-- ing and holding member 42' is carried into engagement.

with the cartridge receiving tube- 2,0 and upon comple-- tion of such inward movementl of the lower end of the bullet magazine, the depending resilient member lexes and the second bullet intercepting and Vholding mem ber 42fisv withdrawn from its bullet supporting position, thereby allowing thebullet then engaging withV and sup-A ported by. such second bullet holding member to drop.

Y into the cartridgefreceiving tube V20, to Vbe supported byl the thirdtbullet intercepting and holding member 43. Simultaneously, the rst bullet. holding member 41 is moved into the slot 38, thereby intercepting and hold- Ving Ythe-lower bullet then in the magazine 26.V The bullet then supported in the cartridge receiving tube 20 by the member 43 is imposition for engagement by a cartridge case C which is then held in the socket 7 Vcarried'by the carriage 5. The cartridge receiving tubev20' is formed internally with annular converging shoulders 20a which '5 are adapted to engage with similar converging shoulders provided in the usual manner on the cartridge case, there# by limiting the upward movement of the latter in the said cartridge tube.

Carried by the nut 32 is an adjustable screw 44 which, when the carriage S is actuated upwardly, is moved from an inclined position to a position in vertical alignment with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge receiving tube where its lower end is adapted to intercept the upper pointed end of the bullet then in the cartridge receiving tube 20. As the hand lever 11 is depressed, the carriage S with a powder loaded cartridge case C supported thereon is moved upwardly, thereby causing such cartridge case to enter and move upwardly in the cartridge receiving tube Zl. At the same time the lower outlet end of the bullet magazine 26 is swung outwardly to a position wherein it no longer registers with the opening in the cartridge receiving tube 20. With the pressure being removed by the second bullet intercepting and holding member 42 disengaging from the tube 20, the resilient member 49 resumes its normal straight position, thereby causing the first and second bullet intercepting members 41 and 42 to again become positioned so as to intercept and tempo-rarily support bullets dropping downwardly in the magazine 26, as shown in FIG. 10. Also, at the same time, and as the powder loaded cartridge case C is entering the lower end of the tube 20, the third bullet intercepting and holding member 43 is withdrawn from a supporting position, thereby allowing the cartridge case to enter the tube 20 and engage with the bullet then in the lower end of such tube. The bullet and the upper restricted opening in the upper end portion of the cartridge case are nearly the same in diameter, but the bullet being slightly larger will be carried upwardly with the cartridge case until it intercepts the lower end of the then vertical screw 44 which prevents any further upward movement of such bullet. The further upward movementof the carriage to the upper extremity of its upward reciprocating movement will raise the cartridge case to a position in which the bullet will have been forced into the open end of the cartridge case, as shown in FIG. 10. The reverse upward movement of the hand lever 11 will lower the carriage 5 and retract the loaded cartridge case with the bullet secured thereto. The downward movement of the carriage causes the lower end of the bullet magazine 26 to swing inwardly and again resume a position in registry with the cartridge receiving tube 20. It is to be noted that as the lower end of themagazine swings inwardly the screw 44 moves outwardly from the said tube to allow the magazine to assume a 'position whereby another bullet may be delivered to the cartridge receiving tube. As the lower end of the bullet magazine moves inwardly to its bullet discharging position, the third bullet intercepting and holding member 43 is carried to a position wherein it is adapted to intercept a bullet released by the second bullet intercepting and holding member 42. Simultaneously, the first bullet intercepting and holding member 4i is carried along with the member 42 to a bullet releasing position in which another bullet may drop from the magazine into the cartridge tube 20.

The present invention contemplates the use of synchronizing means whereby a cartridge case is loaded with a charge of explosive powder at the same time a bullet is -being inserted into 'and attached to another cartridge.

Mounted on the stationary platform 17 in vertical alignment with the cartridge holding socket 9 carried by the carriage 5 is a vertical cartridge receiving tube 45 which is screwed into the threaded opening 19 in the platform. The tube 45 is adapted to receive a cartridge C when the carriage 5 is raised upwardly; and inwardly converging annular shoulders 45a on such tube are adapted to engage with similar shoulders on the cartridge case to limit the upward movement of such case. Supported on an upright stationary post 46 secured to the platform 17 is a block 47 which has a vertical opening 47a arranged in communication with the axial opening extending through the cartridge tube 45. Also supported by the post 46 in vertically spaced relation to the block 47 is a plate or block 43 which has a vertical opening 48a arranged in laterally spaced relation to a vertical axis extending through the openings 19 and 47a. Mounted between and in contact with the blocks 47 and 48, respectively, are vertically spaced valve plates 49 and 50 which are mounted for simultaneous swinging movement about a vertical axis extending through the stationary post 46. The valve plate 49 has a vertical opening 49a arranged in vertical alignment with a similar vertical opening 50a in the valve plate 50. The opening 49a is adapted to register with the vertical opening 47a, and similarly, the opening 50a is adapted to register with the opening 48a. Secured to and extending between the valve plates 49 and 50 is a powder holding tube or container 51 which is preferably transparent. The powder tube 51 is also pref.- rably telescopic in construction consisting of two or more sections arranged telescopically for convenient adjustment to lengthen or shorten the tube for the purpose of changing its capacity so a smaller or larger load of powder may be received and held thereby. The axial opening in the powder tube 51 is in direct communication with the vertical openings 49a and 50a of the valve plates 49 and 50, respectively. The powder tube 51 is capable of being lengthened or shortened by suitably adjusting the relative spaced positions of the blocks 47 and 48 on the post 46 and also accordingly adjusting the valve plates 49 and Sil which respectively engage with the blocks. The powder tube may also have a fixed length so lit will contain a predetermined charge of explosive powder. It is to be noted that the openings 49a and 50a iu the valve plates 49 and 50, respectively, are so arranged that when 50a is in registry with the opening 48a, the opening 49a will not be in registry with the opening 47a and vice versa. Supported on the upper block 48 and suitably secured thereto is a powder delivery tube 52 which supports a powder container 53 at its upper end. Powder supplied from the container 53 is adapted to flow by gravity into the powder tube 51 when the valve plate 49 is positioned with its opening 49a in registry with the opening 48a of the block 48. A flat slide valve 54 extending through an enlarged lower portion 52a 'on'the powder delivery .tube 52 is provided in the usual manner with a suitable opening, which when such slide valve opening is in registry with the longitudinal opening in the powder delivery tube, will allow powder to ilow downwardly into the powder tube 51. The slide valve 54 is manually operated to permit a suitable amount of powder to enter the powder tube 51, and the latter being preferably transparent makes it possible for anoperator to observe the flow into and the contents of the powder tube.

Pivotally mounted as at S5 on an upright standard 56 supported on the post 46 is lever 57 which carries-a forked member 5S at its lower end. The forked member slidably extends into a guide slot in the block 47. A fixed pin or projecting member 59 rigidly secured to the valve plate 49 extends horizontally between the forks of the forked member S8 and when the lever 57 pivots back and forth about the pivot 55, the valve plates 49 and 50 are pivotally moved to positions whereinthe openings 47a and 48a are alternately opened and closed. The pivotal movement of the lever 57 is accomplished by means about to be described. Secured as by the bolt 30 to the upright member 28, which is connected to the carriage 5, is an elongated upstanding extension 60 which has an inclined track 60a on its upper end. Secured to the upper end of the lever 57 is a projecting screw, pin or other suitable device which constitutes a pressure applying member 6l that engages with and is adapted to travel over the track 60a. When the hand lever 11 is elevated and the carriage S is in a lowered position, the member 61 is positioned at the upper endof the inclined track 60a and the powder tube 51 is positioned to receive powder from the delivery tube 52.' A coil tension spring 62, connected at its ends to the upper end of the lever 57 and the stationary upright standard 56, is adapted to return the lever and the various elements actuated there# by to their respective positions as shown in FIG. l. As the hand lever 11 is depressed and the carriage is elevated, the inclined track 60a, moving upwardly against the member 61 actuates the lever 57 so as to move the powder tube 51 to a position wherein its contents may flow through the opening 47a in the block 47 and into the cartridge receiving tube 45, and thence into the open end of the cartridge C then supported inside'the latter. During such movement the valve plate 50 is carried from a position in which its opening 50a communicates with the opening 48a of the block 4S to a position in which such opening 48a is closed, thereby preventing powder from escaping from the powder delivery tube 52. The upward movement ofthe hand lever 11 lowers the carriage 5 :and permits the cartridge C which now has a powder :charge therein to be manually removed from the socket 9 and transferred to the socket 7 preparatory to the connection of a bullet, as previously described. The powder .tube 51 is simultaneously returned to its powder receiving position when the carriage is lowered to permit the .removal of the carriage from its socket 9.

As shown in FIGS. l2, 13 and 14, a detached arrange- .ment may be used to load a cartridge with a predetermined charge of powder. A suitable support 70 comprising a horizontal member 70a and a connected upright member 70b is adapted to be suitably supported, as by .a vise or other means. Secured at its lower end to 70a is a stationary vertical pivot post 71 which has an elongated tube 72 loosely rotatable and supported thereby, .such tube 72 being externally threaded as at 72a. Mounted for vertical adjustment on the tube 7'2 is a sleeve '73 which has a horizontal closure plate 74 secured to its lower end. Secured to the lower end of the tube 72 is van adjustable valve plate 75 having a valve opening 76 which is adapted to register with an outlet opening 77 in the horizontal member 70a of the support. Supported on .and carried -by the valve plate 7S is the lower section of .a telescopic transparent powder holding tube or container 78. Adjustably mounted for vertical adjustment on the tube 72 is a slidable sleeve 79 which is adapted to be secured as by a set screw 80 to such tube. Secured to the upper end of the sleeve 79 is a plate 81 having a vertical opening 82 which is in registry with the opening in the upper section of the powder holding tube 78, the said upper section being suitably secured to Vthe plate 81. After the set screw 80 has been turned to permit the upward or downward adjustment of the sleeve 79 on the tube 72, the length of the powder tube 78 may be accordingly adjusted to increase or decrease its capacity. A vertically adjustable upper nut 79a engaging with the lthreads 72a of the tube 72 is adapted to support the sleeve 79 and the plate 81 when the set screw 81 is released from engagement with the said tube to permit the lateral swinging adjustment of the powder holding tube 78. A

lower nut 75a engaging with the threads 72a'of the tube 72 is adapted'to engage with the valve plate 75 to prevent the turning of the tube about the pivot post71. A linear measure 83 providesja gauge for use in determining the correct kamount of powder to be admitted to the tube 78. When'the valve plate 75 is positioned with its valve opening 76 closed, the powder tube 78 may be iilled by means of a funnel or other device after the closure plate 74 has iirst been adjusted upwardly and secured against downward displacement by a set screw 73a carried by the sleeve 73. The outlet opening 77 in '70a'is adapted to receive the upper end portion of a cartridge C, which may be loaded with a charge of powder after the powder tubeV 78 has been adjusted to a position permitting its contents to flow through the said opening.VV It is to be noted thatY when the powder tube 78rhas,V

' ment with the valve opening, and a tubular container inter-A been adjusted to a suitable length, it will not be possible to overload a cartridge case with an excessive charge of powder. Y

It is to be noted that the machine is adapted to be adjusted to accommodate cartridge cases and bullets of different calibers and sizes as well as to permit such cartridge cases to be loaded with different amounts of explosive powder.

What I claim is:

l. In a cartridge loading machine having a supporting structure, a vertical reciprocable carriage mounted on the supporting structure and having means for supporting an empty cartridge case in an upright position, means on the supporting structure for actuating the carriage upwardly and downwardly, a stationary cartridge tube supported on the supporting structure in a substantially vertical position and arranged to receive the cartridge case as the carriage and the cartridge case are moved upwardly, an adjustable powder holding tube supported on the supporting structure for swinging movement about a vsubstantially vertical axis and having an outlet at its lower end arranged for communication with the opening of the cartridge tube when the powder holding tube is in a certain adjusted position, and synchronized means connecting the powder holding tube and the carriage, whereby when the carriage is moved upwardly to carry the cartridge case into the cartridge tube, the powder holding tube will be moved automatically to a position so its outlet is in communication with the cartridge tube.

2. In a cartridge loading machine, the combination set forth in claim l together with a powder supply container connected to the powder holding tube.

3. In a cartridge loading machine, as defined by claim 1, the powderV holding tube having telescopic sections slidably arranged to increase or decrease the length of such tube.

4. In a cartridge loading machine, as deiined by claim l, the powder holding tube being transparent.

5. In a cartridgerloading machine, a stationary substantially horizontal member having a vertical opening extending therethrough, such opening being adapted to receive the open end of a cartridge case, a vertical post secured to and extending above the horizontal member and arranged in spaced relation to the opening, an elongated tube rotatably mounted on the post, an adjustable valve element secured to the lower end of the tube and arranged in an overlying position with respect to the stationary horizontal member, the valve element having a valve openingadapted to register with the vertical opening in the stationary horizontal member, a vertically adjustable'sleeve mounted on the tube, a vertically adjustable plate secured to the sleeve, the said vertically adjustable plate having a vertical opening arranged in vertical alignposed between' the valve element and the adjustable plate, the container having one end communicating with the opening in the stationary member and its other end communicating with the opening in the adjustable element.

6. In a'cart'ridge loading machine, the combination set forth in claim 5 together with a vertically adjustable closure plate mounted adjustably on the tube and arranged to overly' the adjustable plate and close the opening in the same.

7. In a cartridge loading machine, the combination comprising a substantially horizontal stationary member having a vertical opening extending therethrough, such openingbeing adapted to receive the open end of a cartridge case, a vertical post secured to and extending above the horizontal member and arranged in laterally spaced relation to the opening, an elongated tube rotatably mounted on the post7 an adjustable valvetelement secured tothe lower Vend of the tubeV and arranged in an overlying positionengagingwith th stationary horizontal member,

the valve element having a valve opening adapted to register with the opening 'inthestationary member when Y the valve element is in one of its adjusted positions, a vertically adjustable sleeve mounted on the tube, a vertically adjustable plate secured to the sleeve, the said vertically adjustable plate having an opening arranged in vertical alignment With the Valve opening, and an adjnst- 5 able tubular container interposed between and secured at its ends to the valve element and the vertically adjustable plate, the container having its ends communi-eating with the openings in the valve element and the adjustable plate, the said tubular container comprising a plurality 10 of telescopically arranged sections.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Rice Nov. 24, Zimmerman June 28, Bosler Nov, 6, Siebert et al June 1l, Peterson Feb. 25, Paldani Sept. 2,

FOREIGN PATENTS Germany Aug. 7, 

1. IN A CARTRIDGE LOADING MACHINE HAVING A SUPPORTING STRUCTURE, A VERTICAL RECIPROCABLE CARRIAGE MOUNTED ON THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE AND HAVING MEANS FOR SUPPORTING AN EMPTY CARTRIDGE CASE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, MEANS ON THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE FOR ACTUATING THE CARRIAGE UPWARDLY AND DOWNWARDLY, A STATIONARY CARTRIDGE TUBE SUPPORTED ON THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE IN A SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL POSITION AND ARRANGED TO RECEIVE THE CARTRIDGE CASE AS THE CARRIAGE AND THE CARTRIDGE CASE ARE MOVED UPWARDLY, AN ADJUSTABLE POWDER HOLDING TUBE SUPPORTED ON THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE FOR SWINGING MOVEMENT ABOUT A A 